The Alliance Francaise held a Bastille Day fete at the new National Constitution Center at 6th and Arch Streets on, yes, Bastille Day. Many guests wore red, white, and blue – no stars, just stripes, and sipped 1997 Chateau Lynch-Bages and nibbled at the delightful feast put on by Max and Me caterers. Though it was a Monday night, the continental spirit got people out onto the dance floor, swinging to Eddie Bruce's band, stellar as usual.

To celebrate the kick-off of the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the director and stars of the film Latter Days gathered for a pre-screening party. Jacqueline Bisset, one of the movie's stars, was on hand to introduce the cast at the theater later in the evening.

The Global Interdepence tk held its annual dinner at the Four Seasons. Since they put it so eloquently, this is their story: "The GIC is a non-profit organization that recognizes the increasing economic and political interdependence of nations. GIC is committed to the expansion of global trade, believing investment and finance in a sustainable free trade environment is a positive instrument for reducing international tensions and improving worldwide living standards." Oh. Is that all?

The Best of Philly party was held at the National Constitution Center on Monday, July 28th. Presenting sponsors were Mercedes-Benz, Viking Range Corporation, Peirce-Phelps, Inc., and Fleet Bank. KYW Channel 3 broadcast the fun on live television coverage.

The Anti-Defamation League's Torch of Liberty Award Dinner was held in honor of Kenneth Jarin, of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, on Tuesday,June 3rd at the Crystal Tea Room. Former Vice President Al Gore was the keynote speaker. Nearly 400 people attended the dinner which raised approximately $400,000 for the ADL's programs to combat hatred and bigotry.